Anyone that appreciates a cross between soothing soul music and rock would agree that Aaron Hiebert is an astoundingly talented soul. From his high school band, to his solo side project Andover Parkway, Hiebert mesmerizes those he performs for with his vicious and yet relaxing guitar playing. The band Hiebert has been with since high school, Sub-Motive, is still together and strong. They improve more and more each performance, recently winning a battle of the bands competition. Lead vocalist and bassist Josiah Bogle along with drummer and pianist Jason Edwards do not criticize Hiebert for making a solo album, they’ve had their own side projects as well, and in fact they offered him their assistance. On his new album, “A Final Dream,” Hiebert plays guitar, bass, piano and sings. The album features Edwards on keys and drums with Bogle on bass and the occasional back up vocal.
Though the new album is strictly acoustic, it shows off a whole new side of Hiebert and is just as striking as the electric guitar heard when he joins Sub-Motive. It’s proven with this album that Hieberts talent exceeds expectation by the transfer he is able to make from rock band to mellow solo artist.
Each lyric, each note, and each strum of the guitar gives off a sensation of edge, meaning, and depth. “A Final Dream” the first song off the album beginning with a relaxing gracious piano piece, talks about an older gentleman being subjected to letting his wife go, he must in simple terms, pull the plug. Before doing so he tells her how perfect their life has been together. Leaving the room the man collapses crying out and asking God why. When he proceeds home and goes to bed that night, he slips away in a peaceful death, returning to the love of his life. This song and its emotion created by Hiebert has been known to bring tears to many eyes.
A personal favorite from the album is track number seven, called “When Happiness Arrives.” The song starts out with an outstanding riff on guitar, followed close by Hieberts beautiful, yet for some ears, selective voice. Scratchy and nothing similar to his band mate Bogle’s elegantly pure voice, its brilliant edge draws you in. This particular song touches the hearts of not only those close to Hieberts family, but also the millions of others that have been through a similar situation. It tells a story about a loved one and their recovery from alcohol addiction.
The music found on Hieberts new album is calming, ideal for studying as well as resting the mind into a peaceful sleep. Though there are several songs scattered within the CD that are up beat, they do not interrupt the overall tranquil mood of the album.
Information about Hiebert’s album and projects can be found on MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/andoverparkway.
